Real Wealth Show: Real Estate Investing Podcast Redfin's 2026 Housing Market Predictions with Daryl Fairweather
12 snips
Dec 9, 2025 
Daryl Fairweather, Chief Economist at Redfin, dives into 2026 housing market predictions. She anticipates slight improvement in affordability and flat mortgage rates, with cuts likely by late 2026. Fairweather argues for denser housing near jobs to tackle affordability. She highlights potential cooling in overbuilt Sun Belt areas while Midwest markets may see an uptick in demand. With AI poised to transform real estate, Daryl predicts smarter home searches and increased agent productivity. Expect rising rents as supply slows!
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Slow Affordability Improvement
- Housing will feel slightly better in 2026 as income growth outpaces home-price growth.
- Mortgage rates likely stay flat most of the year and may fall toward year-end, easing affordability.
Use Slower Price Growth Strategically
- Expect only ~1% home price growth in 2026 while wages rise faster, improving buyer affordability.
- Use that slower price growth plus lower rates to time purchases or refinance decisions.
Build Near Jobs, Not Outward
- Increasing affordability requires building more housing near jobs and transit, not sprawl.
- Densifying existing urban areas and upzoning near transit better addresses access and quality-of-life needs.